"Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars." – Khalil Gibran

A.S. Face 1251: Tiffany

My name is Tiffany and I am 24 years old, I have struggled with issues with sore back and hips since I was a teen and was told it was fine and normal to have “pains”. I got pregnant at 21 and instead of enjoying my pregnancy I was in unimaginable pain that no one could understand. Why was it so painful to move so early in my pregnancy, doctors told me baby must be on my sciatica and it would go away. So after basically not moving for the last 2 months of my pregnancy because of the pain I finally thought I would get relief after my son was born. But things continued to get worse so several tests a rheumatologist and nearly 2 years after the pains started I was diagnosed with AS. I had never heard of it and did what my doctor told me to painkillers and mess to prevent stomach ulcers and getting sick from them everyday I thought there had to be another option. So we tried cortisone steroid shots into my SI joint but that didn’t work either. Last suggestion I have gotten is biologics but I have chosen not to start them after reading the risks with prolonged use. I am still trying to find relief of the pain after now 3 years of ongoing pain and not knowing where to find advice and help. I do not know anyone else with AS or anyone who has ever heard of it making it hard for people to understand what I experience everyday. I am affected mostly in my hips and lower back now but only had one X-ray done 2 years ago in my hips so I am not even sure of the state it is in. Each day is a challenge to get out of bed as most nights are sleepless ones from the pain, I have a hard time bending over to get things or hold my kids but I am searching for answers and help everywhere to make life more manageable.
Alberta, Canada

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4 Responses to “A.S. Face 1251: Tiffany”

I understand how you felt. I had trochanteric bursitis with both kids, was injected with steroids into the bursa, very painful to walk, no work last month of pregnancy with both. Have you tried newer non-steroidal anti-inflammatory meds that don’t affect the stomach? I can tell you I have had no side effects with the biologics and have taken them over 5 yrs. Pray about it and then decide. I’ve had AS since 17 yo, and now 58.

Most everyone of us here in
Faces of AS have had huge fears, including biologics. Please reconsider starting ASAP. This is your only hope for relief & prolonging the fusing that will happen. You’re young enough to where you have a chance for better remission. I’ve been on Biologics since 2006, DX at age 40.
Everyone reacts differently, however you will never know until you try. You’ve read the scarey side affects, however like most meds, there are always risks of complications and side affects. Your Rheumatologist will follow you closely. My personal advice: give it a shot, you can always discontinue, however the benefits far outweigh the side effects.

Hi I also have AS at the age of 33 after years of fighting with doctors I am now on morphine. And other painkillers to reduce the pain… I have had all the anti tnf treatments available but didn’t agree with myself. There seems to be more and more ppl getting this condition but wee don’t get the help and support that wee deserve..